To direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to issue regulations to include strollers in the contract of carriage of air carriers and set a liability limit for damaged strollers, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8579
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-29: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-20T19:15:49Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to require airlines to treat strollers as part of their standard passenger agreements (called "contracts of carriage") and to set a specific compensation limit if strollers are damaged during air travel.
Key Provisions
- Timeline: FAA must issue regulations within 180 days of the bill's enactment.
- Inclusion in Contracts: Airlines must include strollers in their contracts of carriage.
- Handling Requirements: Airlines must tag strollers with a "handle with care" label.
- Liability Limit: Sets compensation for damaged strollers at $2,175, fitting within existing overall baggage liability rules.
- Definition of Stroller: A foldable chair-like carriage for pushing small children, or any similar device for holding children while moving.
- International Consistency: Regulations must align with the Montreal Convention, an international treaty on airline liability for passenger baggage.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends FAA regulation 14 CFR Part 253 to explicitly require strollers in airline contracts of carriage.
- Amends FAA regulation 14 CFR section 254.4 to establish a $2,175 liability cap specifically for strollers, clarifying protection under baggage rules.
- Introduces mandatory tagging for careful handling, which is not currently required.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: FAA must create and enforce new rules, increasing regulatory oversight of airlines.
- Citizens: Families traveling with young children gain clearer protections and predictable compensation for damaged strollers, reducing disputes over baby gear.
- Airlines: Adds compliance costs for tagging and liability, but limits financial exposure to a fixed amount.
- International Relations: Ensures U.S. rules match the Montreal Convention, avoiding conflicts in global air travel.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Air carriers (airlines): Must update contracts, tag items, and pay claims up to $2,175.
- Passengers with children (parents and families): Benefit from protected stroller handling and compensation.
- FAA: Responsible for issuing and enforcing the regulations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens consumer protections under FAA rules without overriding the Montreal Convention, promoting uniform international standards.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; falls under Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce and aviation safety.
- Political: Bipartisan introduction (by Rep. Mackenzie and Rep. Pettersen); focuses on practical family travel needs, potentially appealing across party lines with minimal controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-29: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2026-04-29: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-29: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to issue regulations to include strollers in the contract of carriage of air carriers and set a liability limit for damaged strollers, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-04-29 — PDF (2 pages)